A lot has happened in 20 years, the amount of development has been unprecedented. On first arriving in 1993 the immediate impression was lack of services offered to the tourist. Certainly there clearly was still the tuk tuk drivers eager to drive you on a tour of the temples of Angkor for the day. Hotels were popping up but other services were limited. There were no ATMs and little else to do if one wanted to take a break from visiting the temples. Fast forward 20 years and the situation has completely changed via a lot of investment, knowledge and innovation. This has been possible through development aid. The tenacity of the neighborhood those who despite most of the atrocities they've been through are keen showing off their wonderful country and take the opportunities they have. It's also been possible as much Khmers who escaped throughout the Khmer Rouge era are returning with the data they've gained abroad bringing positive change to the area community.

With many local businesses getting ready for the brand new tourist season starting in October don't just consider a tour to Siem Reap as just a quick temple visit. That the moment to own a look at what else is being offered and how it enhances the local economy.

Horse-riding in Siem Reap is one tour, for individuals with a little adventure at heart you will want to take a horse riding tour for 1-3 hours through rural countryside passing streams, rice fields and local villages. The tours are suitable for beginners and children and certainly are a fun solution to break up visiting the temples or simply for experiencing something different on a tour to Cambodia.

For people that have a head for heights and planning to catch some aerial views and photographs of the majestic Angkor Wat try a balloon ride over Angkor. The German made helium balloon doesn't actually move as it is attached with a rope but ascends around 200 metres for a 10 minute trip which allows you to acquire some great photographs and an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the planet!

If you discover yourself in Siem Reap on a Sunday evening a good experience is just a traditional Khmer dance show with live traditional music wear by the Cambodian Children's House of Peace, an orphanage in Siem Reap. The show is held every Sunday during the college term without fail at 7pm. It's completely free but do create a donation to their worthy cause if visiting. If you are visiting during rainy season there is a rain cover so don't allow that put you off. It is really worth the visit.

You will find obviously many other attractions and activities to pick from in your short visit to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Keep the mind open and don't forget how far Cambodia has come within the last 20 years!